Manager Global Development

Thorlabs•Newton, NJ

6h•$111,000 - $154,000

About The Position

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture. The Manager, Global Development leads the design, coordination, and delivery of the company’s learning and development, leadership development, performance management, organizational effectiveness, and internal communications initiatives. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution, ensuring development programs are aligned with business priorities and responsive to evolving organizational needs. This position directly owns U.S.-based development programs while partnering with international HR leads to integrate existing initiatives across Europe and Asia into a cohesive, scalable global framework. Working closely with senior leaders and cross-functional partners, the Manager drives execution of development solutions that strengthen capability, support change, and deliver measurable impact across the organization. Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations. Domestic/Global travel 10 -15%

Requirements

5–7 years of experience in organizational development, leadership development, learning and development, talent management, or performance management, with demonstrated business impact.
3–5 years of experience leading enterprise-wide performance management, leadership development, learning systems, or organizational change initiatives.
Proven experience delivering talent, learning, or organizational initiatives that drive measurable results.
Demonstrated ability to partner with and influence senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
Experience managing or leading teams, projects, or cross-organizational efforts in development, communications, or learning functions.
Master’s degree in organizational development, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Human Resources, Organizational Leadership, or related field.
Strong knowledge of organizational development, performance management, change management, leadership development, and adult learning principles.
Experience working with learning systems and platforms and coordinating enterprise-wide programs.
Ability to lead, coach, and influence others through both direct leadership and cross-functional coordination.
Data-driven mindset with the ability to measure impact, demonstrate ROI, and translate insights into action.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills, including experience leading leadership programs and engaging diverse, international audiences.
Strong program and project management skills; ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Advanced Excel (or equivalent) data analysis and manipulation skills.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and internal communication tools.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of MS Dynamics 365 CRM a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop the HR Development team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that supports growth, innovation, and delivery of measurable business results through people and talent initiatives.
Own and strengthen U.S.-based development programs (learning, leadership, performance management, engagement, and communications) as the foundation for broader global integration.
Partner with HR and business leaders across the U.S., Europe, and China to gain a deep understanding of existing development initiatives, best practices, and regional needs; incorporate these into the design of an overarching, globally aligned development framework.
Coordinate and align development efforts across regions, balancing consistency and scalability with local relevance, and serving as a connector across geographies.
Lead the design and continuous improvement of the performance management approach, supporting goal alignment, accountability, talent assessment, and succession planning.
Design and deliver leadership development and enterprise learning programs that build critical capabilities for current and future business needs; oversee the LMS to ensure effective, scalable learning delivery.
Support organizational development and change initiatives, helping leaders and teams adapt to change, improve effectiveness, and execute strategy while reinforcing company values and purpose.
Lead the employee engagement survey process, partnering with leaders to translate insights into targeted actions that improve engagement, retention, and performance.
Develop and execute internal communication strategies that promote transparency, alignment, and connection, reinforcing strategic priorities and enabling change.
Partner with senior leaders and cross-functional teams, supporting continuous improvement, organizational alignment, and talent development across the enterprise.
Evolve the role over time toward increased global leadership responsibility as global frameworks, governance, and capabilities mature.